Medical experts have called on the Federal Government to make blood pressure medications free and more accessible to Nigerians, warning that the rising cost of treatment is worsening the burden of hypertension across the country.
The experts noted that many patients are unable to afford essential drugs, a situation that has contributed to poor disease control and increased risk of complications.
They stressed that hypertension, which affects about one in three adults in Nigeria, requires lifelong treatment, adding that high drug prices and limited access to healthcare remain major barriers to effective management.
The experts warned that failure to address these challenges could undermine efforts to reduce deaths linked to cardiovascular diseases.
They also urged the government to prioritise universal health coverage, support local drug manufacturing, and implement policies that would make life-saving medications more affordable, especially for low-income households.
According to the World Health Organisation, hypertension—also known as high blood pressure—is diagnosed when blood pressure readings reach 140/90 mmHg or higher when measured with a blood pressure monitor.
The global health body noted that although hypertension is common, about 46 per cent of adults living with the condition are unaware they have it.
It added that about 1.28 billion adults aged 30 to 79 years worldwide live with hypertension, with most cases recorded in low- and middle-income countries.
The organisation also listed ageing, genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high salt intake, and excessive alcohol consumption as major risk factors.
A health practitioner and founder of Fluxbridge Healthcare Services, Olaide Albert, made the call on Saturday during a medical outreach organised by her organisation for residents of Adesan, Mowe, in Ogun State.
During the outreach, beneficiaries had their blood sugar levels, blood pressure, malaria status, oral hygiene, and other vital signs checked.
Albert noted that many Nigerians could not afford basic healthcare due to the country’s economic challenges, which she said had contributed to the growing number of hypertension cases.
She disclosed that the majority of the over 200 residents screened during the exercise were found to be hypertensive, with some already at critical stages.
“The reason we are carrying out this outreach is that we realised that the majority of Nigerians do not have access to affordable healthcare, and we thought it necessary to support in our little way,” she said.
Albert explained that high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and malaria were the most common illnesses recorded among residents during the screening exercise.
“This can be blamed on the state of the economy, which has continued to put pressure on the people. Some blood pressure readings are as high as 180, which is a time bomb waiting to explode,” she added.
She urged the Federal Government to make hypertension medications accessible to Nigerians and encouraged residents to prioritise their health by undergoing routine medical checks.
Also speaking, a health support staff member, Olusoji Olatidoye, said the outreach aimed to provide medical support for about 250 residents.
“So far, the most common condition among those screened is high blood pressure, and we ensure they are given medication and sensitised on what to do,” Olatidoye said.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the organisers, noting that the outreach would improve healthcare access within the community.
A resident, Oladokun Olawoye, said the initiative came at the right time, stressing that good health enables people to contribute positively to their communities.
Another beneficiary, Daniel Blessing, said he had been struggling with a health condition but lacked the financial means to seek treatment before the outreach.
In a related development, the President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, Professor Simeon Isezuo, previously warned that the rising cost of hypertension medications poses a serious threat to efforts aimed at controlling the disease in Nigeria.
He urged healthcare providers to prioritise the use of affordable, safe, and effective medicines, while calling on the government to take steps to reduce drug prices.
Isezuo also encouraged the private sector, philanthropists, and religious organisations to assist vulnerable individuals in accessing treatment and enrolling in health insurance schemes.
He further advised families to adopt healthy lifestyles, including balanced diets, regular physical activity, and routine blood pressure checks, noting that hypertension can run in families.
